ERLANGER - Sitting at her office desk, busily punching keys on a slick black keyboard, Becky Strouse hears a knock on her door.

Strouse looks up.

A woman stares back smiling, likely an expression she hasn't donned in quite some time.

"Thank you," she tells Strouse, Erlanger's newly hired social services coordinator. To this woman, who is not named because of privacy concerns, Strouse is much more than someone who assists in times of trouble. She's someone who takes action. Strouse is her salvation.

A few months ago Strouse helped the woman's son find treatment for addiction. "He's out of treatment and doing well now," the mother, her eyes glimmering with hope, tells Strouse.

What does a social services coordinator do?

That's why Strouse, 35, of Alexandria, is working in Erlanger. First responders send her referrals about potential social issues they may come upon while answering emergency calls. Strouse reviews emergency calls herself from the previous day to see if there are any social issues she can help residents resolve.

It's all in an effort to save lives.

"You really aren't just saving that one person battling addiction or dealing with domestic abuse," Strouse said. "They're not the only ones whose life hangs in the balance. You're saving their family. You're helping more people than you can ever know."

Why have a social services program?

Erlanger's program is modeled after a program launched by Alexandria Police Department a year ago. Erlanger is the third police department in the state to hire a social worker, according to Strouse.

Last winter, Erlanger began searching for a social worker, an effort inspired by a local family.

"A family had been cited for an issue with their roof and had to go before the code enforcement board," Erlanger Councilwoman Jessica Fette said. "I went to the meeting where they explained that they didn't have the resources to fix the issue and that it would continue to be a problem until someone intervened."

Fette found help for the family through St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, headquartered in Erlanger, which helps neighbors in need.

Through the experience, Fette said she learned more about the services of St. Vincent de Paul and wished there was some way to incorporate that kind of work in the city on a governmental level.

"So many times there's this exterior issue like a hole in a roof; that's all you see," she said. "But on the inside, there are other social issues going on like maybe food insecurity, etc. We need an advocate for our community. We can't wait to see the tremendous benefit of this program on the quality of life and culture in our community."

How can this program save a community?

Strouse, who lives in Alexandria and even served an internship with the city's social worker, said she is "excited to build Erlanger's program up from scratch."

Three months into the job, Strouse is starting to understand where her assistance will be most beneficial. Mental health, she said, is a major social issue.

"Issues like addiction and crimes such as theft (stem) from mental health issues," she said. "Many times people don't have access to the treatment they need so they turn to drugs and from there they're involved in theft crimes to pay for these drugs. (My) goal is to get involved before all that starts."

Strouse said she's already seen positive results. Two residents, an adult and an adolescent, have received addiction treatment. Two families have been moved out of domestic violence situations and into safe shelter.

"These are people who want your help and it's a good feeling to be able to meet that need."

"This can assist our patrolmen by lessening repeat calls," he said. "Officers don't have the time to look deeply into an issue. Having a social services program allows someone to follow up with resources to get our residents the assistance they need. Becky (Strouse) is even checking in to make sure they've gotten help."

"It's going to make Erlanger a stronger and safer community," Strouse said. "I get the opportunity to work with everyone, I'm not restricted to just one part of the population. Our program is not income-based, not just for children and not just for adults. We are here for every Erlanger resident who needs us."